Leeds Castle, Canterbury & Dover

Victoria Coach Station
Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London, UK (Our team will be waiting to greet you by our Welcome Desk at Victoria Coach Station and will direct you to the correct departure gate. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-15 minute walk from London Victoria Station and Victoria Underground Station, and our Welcome Desk is located in-front of Gates 1 and 2: Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for boarding.)

We begin our day trip to Leeds Castle from London by passing through historic Greenwich, an area of London known for its maritime history and classical building such as the Old Royal Naval College.

Often referred to as The Loveliest Castle in The World, Leeds Castle has played many roles in its nearly 900-year history. From a Norman stronghold to a magnificent royal palace, the castle today has been converted by subsequent owners into an idyllic countryside retreat.

With 500 acres of parkland and landscaped gardens to explore, it's easy to see why this beautiful castle has been the private property of no fewer than six English queens.

The Princess Alexandra Gardens alongside the River Len are a carpet of Daffodils, Narcissi and Anemones presenting a vibrant burst of colour. Later in the year, guests are treated to the splendor of Azaleas and Rododendrons.

New at Leeds Castle - Step into the 1930s and discover the new interpretation of Lady Baillie’s country house retreat.Be transported to the 1930s and discover the rescue and restoration of the Castle and its transformation into complete interiors styled by Anglo-American heiress Lady Baillie and her collaborators. See new unique displays to introduce you to one of the most sophisticated yet enigmatic female owners of the Castle.

On arriving in Canterbury you will soon discover why this beautiful, ancient city is one of the jewels in Kent's crown. The historic city is characterised by gorgeous medieval streets, great food and drink, and lanes of shops. At the heart of the walled city is the iconic Cathedral, parts of which date back to the 11th century.

Pilgrims and visitors have made their way to Canterbury Cathedral since the Middle Ages. It remains one of the most visited places in the country, and, just as importantly, a working, living church and community.

Founded by St Augustine in 600 AD, the Cathedral today is one of the most excellent examples of Gothic architecture in England. The stunning structure welcomes visitors all year round, who come to gaze at the remarkable architecture and visit the very spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury Cathedral is both a serene place of holiness and beautiful tourist destination. As the Cathedral of the Archbishop, the spiritual leader of the Church of England, Canterbury holds a special place in English history.

Canterbury is far from your typical Cathedral, and its long history is often described as 'England in Stone'. The history of this Cathedral and its influential Archbishops is woven inextricably into the story of England itself.

The Archbishops here played a crucial role in the creation of the Magna Carta, one of the most important documents in history. They were influential enough to engage in power struggles with the King of England.

Canterbury’s role as one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage centres is inextricably linked to the murder of its most famous Archbishop, Thomas Becket, in 1170. When after a long lasting dispute, King Henry II is said to have exclaimed ‘Who will rid me of this low born priest?’, four knights set off for Canterbury and murdered Thomas here in the place we now call the Martyrdom.

The Miracle Windows (Trinity Chapel) show some of the miracles that were said to have taken place after the murder of Thomas Becket. Many of the pilgrims visiting the tomb of St Thomas would not have been able to read and write and stained-glass windows were meant to exclaim the glory of God as well as educate and ‘entertain’ pilgrims.

Undoubtedly, the White Cliffs of Dover are one of this country's most spectacular natural features. They are an official icon of Britain and have been a sign of hope and freedom for centuries.

We will stop briefly for photos to marvel at this chalk grassland's beauty and special appeal next to the English Channel. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating military and penal history of the White Cliffs from your expert guide.

London Victoria Train Station
Your Tour will finish outside London Victoria Train Station, centrally located and easily accessible by national rail and underground, it is serviced by the Victoria, District and Circle Lines and is in Travel Zone 1.

Days of operations: except 24th-26th December
English: Apr-Oct; Mon-Sat; Nov-Mar: Wed, Fri, Sat
Japanese: Apr-Mar: Wed & Sat